Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsushika Hokusai in 18th–19th century.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Untitled

Katsushika Hokusai , 1799

Untitled is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Created in 1799 by Katsushika Hokusai, the piece utilizes ink and color on paper to render this depiction within the Japanese artistic tradition.

The work portrays a single male figure accompanied by a sword. While the specific identity of the man is not detailed in the available records, the inclusion of the weapon suggests themes of martial readiness, samurai status, or a specific historical or literary character associated with combat. Created in 1799 by Katsushika Hokusai, the piece utilizes ink and color on paper to render this depiction within the Japanese artistic tradition.

Technique & Style

The artwork is a portrait executed in ink with polychrome washes on paper, measuring approximately 24 × 34.3 cm. Its support is a single sheet of paper, typical of Japanese works of the period. The piece dates to 1799 and was created in Japan before entering the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, where it is inventoried as accession number 1999.483.

History & Provenance

The painting was created in 1799 by Katsushika Hokusai, executed in ink and color on paper in Japan. It is classified as a portrait depicting a man with a sword. The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is inventoried as accession number 1999.483, having entered the collection in 1999. The work measures 24 cm in height and 34.3 cm in width.

Overview

Katsushika Hokusai's Untitled, created in 1799, is an ink and color painting on paper. This portrait depicts a figure holding a prominent sword, rendered with a striking economy of detail. The artwork showcases the artist's distinctive approach to composition and his ability to convey narrative through minimal elements, characteristic of his later career.

Context

Hokusai produced this Untitled work during a period when he was already widely recognized for his distinctive artistic approach, particularly his command of line work. At seventy years old, he continued to refine his aesthetic, favoring compositions that prioritized clarity and emotional resonance over intricate embellishment. This painting reflects his ongoing exploration of powerful imagery conveyed through a focused and simplified visual language.